"I absolutely respect Mr Halappanavar’s right to pursue the course that he feels is necessary from his perspective," Dr Reilly said.

"I have to however make sure that this internal investigation in the HSE is carried out as expeditiously as possible because women’s health is at stake here.

"I have to be assured, as the women of the west of Ireland need to be reassured, the services available in the maternity unit in Galway University Hospital are safe.

"I’d point out, I suppose, in that context, just to reassure people, that we haven’t had a maternal death until this terrible tragedy for nearly 17 years."

Savita Halappanavar, 31, died at Galway hospital on October 28th of septicaemia, seven days after she presented with back pain. She was miscarrying at 17 weeks and despite repeatedly requesting a termination, was denied as there was a foetal heartbeat present.